Apple’s highly anticipated iPhone Duo, the company’s first ever foldable smartphone, has run into trouble just days after hitting stores. Early buyers have flooded social media with images of cracked inner screens and bright lines—faults that appeared on devices costing at least £1,999 ($2,668) in the UK.
The problem? Apple says it’s “aware of an issue impacting the inner display on a small number of iPhone Duo units,” with most of the damage appearing near the central hinge. Some users described feeling resistance or a “crunching” sound when opening the phone, followed by cracks or lines appearing along the lower part of the 7.6-inch display. In one case, an Australian buyer reported a “massive line through the display” just hours after unboxing the phone.
Apple Responds, but Scale Remains Unclear
Apple has responded by urging anyone facing display issues to contact AppleCare for a replacement. One user, Justin Lokos, shared his experience online, posting a photo of a damaged iPhone Duo and later thanking a New York Apple Store for providing a new unit. While Apple hasn’t revealed how many devices are affected, it’s clear the launch hasn’t gone entirely to plan. The company maintains that the response to the Duo has been “incredibly positive,” with developers rapidly updating their apps for the new folding design.
Foldable Tech’s Tough Learning Curve
Industry experts note that even Apple, known for its engineering prowess, faces a steep learning curve with foldable tech. The iPhone Duo’s complex hinge and inner display assembly have drawn concern, with repair specialists iFixit giving the device a repairability score of just 5 out of 10. If Apple determines a user is at fault for the damage, repairs could cost more than $1,000—about as much as the phone’s projected value after a year, thanks to steep depreciation rates for foldables.
If you’re among the first to grab an iPhone Duo, Apple’s advice is clear: if you see cracks, lines, or anything odd on the inner screen, reach out to AppleCare as soon as possible. For now, the true scale of the issue is unknown, with some online photos reportedly identified as AI-generated. But for those affected, the risk is all too real—and this is one fold in Apple’s story that’ll be closely watched.
